"But it also triggers massive retaliation. The First Consort's entire family will mobilize against you. They'll have nothing left to lose."
"So the question is whether I'm strong enough to survive that retaliation."
"Exactly." The Emperor leaned forward. "Are you? You have Duke Romian's military support. You have your Port Crestfall operations. You have the younger princesses' tentative alliance. You have my covert backing. Is that enough to withstand the First Consort's full assault?"
Elara thought carefully. Ran the calculations.
